Common use of Sampling and Analysis Plan Clause in Contracts

Sampling and Analysis Plan. The development of a project-specific sampling and analysis plan (SAP) is the next step in the project evaluation process for those projects found to have inadequate information to make a regulatory decision on suitability of dredged material disposal following a Tier I evaluation. The SAP is the main source of information about the proposed dredging project’s sampling design/approach and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures associated with sample collection and dredged material analyses. This RIA recommends including all project-specific sampling, testing and QA/QC components in the project SAP. Sampling and testing must be coordinated far enough in advance of dredging to allow time for testing and data review. The guidance document, QA/QC Guidance for Sampling and Analysis The USACE, New Orleans District and Galveston District, and EPA, Region 6 plan to prepare a Dredged Material Evaluation Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), which will address basic QA/QC issues associated with dredged material sampling and evaluations. The QAP will include all general QA/QC information and requirements that apply across all dredging projects including field sampling and clean techniques, laboratory testing, data validation and reporting, and other QA/QC procedures. While basic/general sampling and analysis protocols will be addressed in the QAP, the individual project sampling design and project-specific QA/QC issues should be addressed in the project SAP. Once the QAP is finalized it will be included as an appendix to this RIA. Section 6 of this RIA contains additional information on QA/QC.